Technical Officer (Blood Products %26 Blood System)
Organizational Context
The Department of Medicines and Health Products Policies and Standards (HPS) at WHO supports Member States in improving access to safe, effective, and affordable medicines and health products. It aligns with WHO's General Programme of Work and the goal of Universal Health Coverage, fostering global, regional, and country-level action through stakeholder engagement. The department develops and implements policies and standards to enhance access and improve public health outcomes.
Job Purpose
This role provides specialized technical support within the assigned program area, contributing to WHO's normative and technical activities. The primary purpose is to support Member States in improving access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines and health products, aligning with the WHO Access Road map. The position involves developing, reviewing, and implementing policies, strategies, norms, and technical guidance related to blood systems, blood products, and transfusion services. It also entails coordinating program activities, managing resources, monitoring performance, and conducting research to inform policy and program implementation, ultimately aiming to strengthen Member States' capacities and improve public health outcomes.
Responsibilities
Provide specialized technical support in program areas, contributing to planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of WHO activities. Develop, review, and implement policies, strategies, norms, standards, and technical guidance for blood systems, products, and transfusion services in collaboration with WHO offices. Coordinate program activities, including work planning, resource management, performance monitoring, and reporting. Conduct research, generate evidence, analyze best practices, and develop capacity-building initiatives. Offer technical advice to WHO, Member States, and partners on regulatory, quality assurance, and standardization approaches for blood products and diagnostics. Support the development and maintenance of WHO norms, standards, and technical guidance for blood products, including activities related to the Expert Committee on Biological Standardization. Coordinate the development of biological measurement standards and reference materials for blood products and in vitro diagnostics. Develop and maintain collaborations with stakeholders to support blood regulation, supply, and transfusion activities. Represent WHO at technical meetings and forums. Perform other related duties as required.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of seven years of professional experience in managing blood and other products of human origin, including health policies and strategies. Experience in engaging effectively with external partners (Ministries of Health, donors, etc.) and demonstrated international-level experience. Desirable: Experience in managerial and technical aspects of blood establishments, regulation of blood products, or scientific areas of transfusion medicine. Experience in developing measurement standards for blood products and in vitro diagnostics, and managing human and financial resources.
Skills
Knowledge of transfusion medicine and biologicals. Skills in planning and coordinating multidisciplinary public health programs. Strong strategic development and establishment skills. Scientific knowledge of blood and biological products, including safety and efficacy. Strong knowledge of blood transfusion safety and management of plasma for derived medicinal products. WHO Competencies: Teamwork, Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences, Communication, Producing results, Knowing and managing yourself.